Greene County held its first of many fairs. The Southwest Missouri Fair lasted three days and drew people from many surrounding counties. Many visitors stayed for the entire event and brought tents for the evenings. Some even brought their servants. Today the event is called the Ozark Empire Fair.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.